KATHMANDU: Chairman of the Unified Socialist Madhav Kumar Nepal has claimed that the decision to establish a republic in Nepal was made through an understanding between himself, then-King Gyanendra Shah, and Girija Prasad Koirala—before Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ joined the political mainstream.
Speaking at a gathering and training program organized by the Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Federation (Socialist), Bagmati Province—affiliated with his party—at the party’s central office in Aloknagar on Sunday, Nepal said he only supported the Maoist movement after the three leaders had reached a consensus.
“He (Prachanda) joined only after then-King Gyanendra, Girija, and I agreed to establish a republic,” he said.
Nepal also responded to recent speculations about the monarchy’s return, suggesting that if former King Shah wishes to re-enter politics, he should do so through democratic means.
“I heard something reassuring—that one of the former king’s secretaries said there’s no intention of restoring the monarchy. If that’s true, I appreciate it. If the former king wants to do politics, he should form a party, go to the people, win elections, and serve the country. That would be something to celebrate,” he added.
Recalling events from 2063 BS, Nepal stated that the groundwork for the republic was laid while he was still in the CPN-UML.
“Our party decided to push for a republic in Shrawan. Later, on Baisakh 11, Girija Koirala and I sat down and reached a full agreement. At that time, then-King Gyanendra had handed over all powers to the people,” he said.
“Prachanda came into the picture later because he was leading the People’s War. He joined only after the agreement was already made,” Nepal emphasized.
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